KEEN Utility Men's Sparta Low Alloy Toe Work Shoe Review
The KEEN Utility Men's Sparta Low Alloy Toe Work Shoe is specifically designed for those who work in light industrial environments. With its breathable mesh and non-mutilating upper, these shoes ensure that your feet remain cool and comfortable while also protecting sensitive surfaces.
Featuring a KEEN.ReGEN midsole, these shoes offer exceptional all-day comfort and energy return, making them ideal for long hours on your feet. The lightweight aluminum toes provide the necessary protection without the added weight of traditional steel toes, weighing in at only 35% less.
Weighing approximately 16.75 oz (475 g) per shoe, the durable, water-resistant leather construction adds to the overall resilience while keeping your feet dry throughout the day. The moisture-wicking lining helps manage sweat, leaving you feeling fresh even during the most demanding tasks.
Features
- Alloy Toe: Left and right asymmetrical aluminum safety toes meet or exceed ASTM F2412 and F2413 ESD 100 standards.
- Underfoot Protection: EH-rated footwear offers secondary protection against contact with live electrical circuits.
- Traction: Oil- and slip-resistant, non-marking, siped rubber outsoles enhance grip, adhering to ASTM F1677-96 and F2913 SATRA standards.
- Support & Comfort: KEEN.ReGEN technology promotes superior comfort with 50% more energy return than standard EVA foam.
- Additional Features: Breathable mesh upper maintains airflow; non-mutilating design prevents damage to surfaces.
Pros
- Lightweight design enhances comfort during prolonged wear.
- Effective energy return for reduced fatigue.
- Superior traction for safe movement on slippery surfaces.
- Breathable materials help regulate temperature.
- Removable insoles allow for customization and easy cleaning.
Cons
- May not provide enough arch support for individuals needing extra cushioning.
- Water resistance may be less effective in heavy rain conditions.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Weight | Toe Type | Slip Resistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEEN Utility Men's Sparta | 16.75 oz | Aluminum | Yes |
| Caterpillar Men's Second Shift | 20 oz | Steel | Yes |
| Merrell Men's Jungle Moc | 12 oz | None | No |
Detailed Review
Design & Comfort: The KEEN Utility Men's Sparta boasts an intuitive design that combines functionality and style. The breathable mesh upper is perfect for warm-weather jobs, and the shoe's lightweight nature ensures that you won’t feel bogged down even after hours of use. The innovative KEEN.ReGEN midsole technology provides a significant boost in comfort and energy return, making each step feel lighter.
Safety Features: These shoes excel in terms of safety, featuring alloy toes that meet industry standards for impact and compression. Furthermore, the Electrical Hazard rating adds an essential layer of protection for those working near electrical sources. The slip-resistant outsole ensures stability on various surfaces, which is crucial for preventing accidental falls.
Durability: Made from robust, water-resistant leather, the Sparta performs well under different environmental conditions. While it handles light exposure to water effectively, caution is advised in extremely wet situations. The moisture-wicking lining contributes to the shoe's durability by keeping your feet dry and reducing odor buildup thanks to the probiotic-based technology.
Versatility: Whether you're engaged in warehousing, transportation, or light manufacturing, the KEEN Utility Men's Sparta is tailored to meet your needs. Its sleek design allows for versatility beyond the workplace, making it suitable for casual outings as well.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional comfort thanks to the KEEN.ReGEN technology and breathable materials. |
| Safety | 4.8/5 | Meets rigorous safety standards with alloy toes and EH protection. |
| Durability | 4.3/5 | High-quality materials ensure longevity, though water resistance can be limited. |
| Traction | 4.6/5 | Excellent slip resistance, providing confidence on slick surfaces. |
| Value for Money | 4.4/5 | A great investment for those seeking safety and comfort in work conditions. |
User Reviews
I had to get a pair of steel toed boots or shoes for my new job so I opted for these, they ticked off all of the company's lengthy recommendations & mine as well. Working 12 hour shifts mostly standing & walking I needed them to fit well, be comfortable, lite, & have plenty of padding so as to NOT wear blisters on my heels toes & sides of my feet...! They did all of these things & more they are attractive, durable, & they protect against electric shock & the soles are slip proof to guard against snow, ice, rain, & slick floors...!Plus the Keen brand is very influential...! Very much worth the money. I would definitely purchase again in the future & i would recommend these to anyone who needs them...!Thank you...!!!
These are easily the most comfortable work shoes I have worn, they are holding up well. Used by industrial Electrician.
My last work shoe was a gray/black New Balance with an alloy toe. The cushioning was clearly gone after about 8-9 months so it was time to try something new. I had been interested in trying Keen next and I got it for a deal price on Black Friday so it was an easy decision. I work in Asset Protection for an upscale retailer and I stand or walk on concrete floors so I need something durable with strong support and cushioning. I spend around 60% of my day on the sales floor or walking stockrooms etc.The REVIEW:The product box reads product #1022100EE -- Size 12EE -- black/black.LOOKS:-- mesh and black matte leather or pleather material (not sure which) but the shoe looks really good and appears durable.-- I like the design at the toe box which should hold up better than my last work shoe which got really scraped up and cut up when my feet made contact with shopping carts, stucco hard scape on the porch and other unknown surfaces.COMFORT:-- Feels very well cushioned and it is roomy inside but not too roomy or loose. It is not cramped at all which I like. Some shoes wrap your foot like a glove which is not comfortable for me. It makes me wonder how the shoe will fit by day's end when my feet swell up. This shoe is not that type of shoe so I am a fan.-- Walking around I really feel the support and cushion and my movements are easy and free. Although by the last hour or so of my shift you can tell that having even more cushioning would be good for my feet (plantar fasciitis) due to working on ruthlessly unforgiving concrete floors. This has been consistent with other work shoes as well. Concrete eventually wins the game and makes your feet tired or slightly achy after spending too many hours on them.WEIGHT:-- Medium weight and should prove durable over time-- Similar to my New Balance work shoes in weight, but possibly just slightly lighter-- I currently am about 7 pounds heavier than I should be and weigh 180 pounds but am still light enough for this shoe to easily handle my loadSIZING:-- 99% of the time I wear a size 12 W, E or EE and these 12 EE are just right for me since I add a OTC orthotic for my plantar fasciitis. My feet are essentially normal or only slightly wide per my podiatrist, but to get an orthotic in I have found it mandatory to get wide shoes.-- I took a tape measure to measure the width and length of the shoe in various areas in order to compare it with my New Balance work shoes. The numbers were nearly identical which made me confident it would be a good fit for my feet.PROTECTION:-- I like the alloy toe feature because I have found it to be clearly more comfortable than steel toe shoes and they can be just as durable with strength coming from multiple metals combined (per my Net research). But alloy is lighter and not as rigid and tends to be more comfortable.-- In case someone steps on my foot, I kick a shopping cart wheel, or my foot gets run over by a shopping cart, I like that I am protected with an alloy toe shoeINCLUDED INSOLE:-- Good cushioning with a well rounded heel cup-- An above average provided insole-- I will use it for something else since I need my OTC orthotic in these for my plantar fasciitisDURABILITY:-- My realization after trying various brands of work shoes is that most last about 6 months, give or take. The reality is that the cushioning wears out with miles walked and standing on hard surfaces. Even if the shoe still looks good, "the feet don't lie" and will tell you when to retire them.-- My guess is that given what I see and feel, these may last up to 9 months but we well see.-- The outer sole edges are getting a tad scratched already after a couple weeks or so of usage but they are not getting as chewed up as my last work shoe so that is a plus. I still have the "Shoe Goo" I used on those so down the road I can always utilize that if I am too hard on them.If anything noteworthy changes in the coming months I will write a brief update.
Ordered my son's normal size and they fit perfectly. Got them for his birthday. After trying them on he said they are very comfortable.
How Keen manages to make HEAVY DUTY WORK footwear that outpaces huge brands is truly special. This particular shoe with its "REGEN" tech is actually nothing short of what they advertise.My raw, beat-up feet that I put through hell at work (industrial warehouse floor) are feeling so much better after trying these shoes.They are not the prettiest pair of shoes out there, but they WILL PROTECT YOUR TOES, and allow you to stand in comfort for 12 hrs even when your expensive pair of Nike's, New Balance, Adidas, etc, won't save you.The comfort level is truly amazing and beat most athletic/walking/running footwear I've tried on. Their sizes are accurate and their WIDE offerings are actually helpful to my big wide feet that struggle to find a good home anywhere else.I am a month in with these and so far they rock. If they are anything like my previous set of Keen work boots, then I expect to get many many months of use out of them. A great value when you consider all the benefits and durability.
I bought these shoes for my son. He stands all day on a assembly line. His calves and feet hurt after work. These shoes were a life saver. He is now on his 4th pair. He has recommended this shoes to many of his co-workers and they also have bought them. Great steel toe product. Light on his feet also.
Only took 1 day to break in. Very comfortable, I installed dr.scholls HD insoles. Grippy.
They are more comfortable than the walmart version, but, that's the few things I can say about them that's better. They dont last longer & come apart in the same places. One other plus is that the insole is removable. Not a huge selling point for me, since I automatically add a insole pad to any shoe right off the bat, so I can toss it when it wears down.